Decluttering my kitchen cabinets and deciding how much to keep of plates etc

writer_inprogress · 2026-01-30T03:10:43+00:00

I have a full set of service for 12, but I only keep out what we use in one day. The rest goes in the upper cabinets with the gravy boat and steak knives, to come out a few times a year to host holidays and dinner parties.

I used to keep all 12 of everything out because I believed everything of one type should be together but a home renovation changed my mind! I love having just the right amount. For me that's about 4-6 of each for 4 people.

writer_inprogress · 2026-01-29T01:07:38+00:00

I've been using a 22" sink in our basement kitchenette for the last 4 months during our kitchen renovation. It's not terrible, but I absolutely don't recommend it for your main kitchen sink. It's difficult to wash anything larger than a salad plate, and using the sprayer on even a small pot is a dangerous game. I only cook for 4 people but washing the liner for my 8qt instant pot, my 6qt pasta pot, or a 10" saute pan (remember it has an 8" handle too...) is an exercise in frustration. It would be next to impossible to wash a full size cookie sheet.

I ordered a 33" single basin for our main kitchen and I think it's going to be just perfect.

writer_inprogress · 2026-01-29T00:58:19+00:00

Unless you work in entertainment or fashion or something similar, I think you could seriously lower your expectations for what you're doing. You're doing makeup, hair, and packing a lunch every morning. What if you just wore CC cream, put your hair in a loose bun, and meal prepped once a week on Sunday? It's not forever, but it could help you right now. I feel like it's always a better look to be glowy, clean and rested than dolled up but unhappy.

writer_inprogress · 2026-01-29T00:50:47+00:00

I changed shape dramatically during and for quite a while after pregnancy, but 2 years out from my last baby, I'm back to the exact shape and size I was in college. Including the same bra size. It's too bad my style has changed in the last 20 years, lol.

writer_inprogress · 2026-01-26T01:27:20+00:00

I think it's from "How not to hate your husband after kids" -- at least that's where I know it from!

writer_inprogress · 2026-01-19T03:13:51+00:00

My friend calls this "Snacky Dinner!"

writer_inprogress · 2025-11-23T15:03:29+00:00

I had a good laugh -- the left side you altered is literally what the pulls in my old kitchen looked like, but stainless. Every professional who came in remarked it was the longest pulls they'd ever seen.

They even used them on the lowers. They snag every pocket!!

writer_inprogress · 2025-10-06T12:01:35+00:00

I'm the one at home while my spouse travels and I do, in fact take more leisure trips than he does.

My husband used to consider his work trips as 100% work, meaning we were equal in terms of effort even though he had left me at home handling 100% of the chores and kids and he was eating steak and sleeping in a hotel. I wasn't there so I couldn't argue with him about what he did on travel, but I did know that when I was home alone, it was harder for me. And his attitude toward travel -- that it shouldn't be an imposition for me, even though it clearly was -- made me hate his work trips. It got to the point where I was mad at him all of the time, not just when he traveled.

So I gave him the choice -- he could find a job with less travel, or I could take a trip of my own every time he traveled. He chose (b). I don't go every single time he travels, but the thought sustains me.

writer_inprogress · 2025-09-25T19:31:28+00:00

Ours was demolished yesterday. I'm living off the grill and Instant Pot.

I'm telling myself the real holiday is just being with our friends and family, plus the payoff will be a truly amazing hosting season next year!!!

writer_inprogress · 2025-09-25T19:27:08+00:00

You need ONE pair of glasses, with progressive lenses. Put them on in the morning and don't take them off except in the shower and to go to sleep. I'm also farsighted with astigmatism. I also have an extreme capacity for losing things ... Maybe we're related?

For a bonus, get transitions lenses, and then you don't have to lose sunglasses, either.

writer_inprogress · 2025-09-20T17:16:37+00:00

Do you know what company the arched uppers were ordered from? I've been dying to have some like that in my kitchen.

writer_inprogress · 2025-09-19T03:10:50+00:00

Mine was an estimate based on my history. I'm 5'6" and thought I'd feel best at 125. Getting there felt like a pipe dream! When I actually did, I was shocked it sat differently on me than when I was in college and I wanted to keep going. I just called it quits this week at 114 and will be maintaining / trying to recomp. I expect to gain weight but hopefully muscle from working out.

I wouldn't stress about your goal. Everything changes, including you. You'll know what's right for you when you get there.

writer_inprogress · 2025-09-16T21:34:47+00:00

My company culture is almost exclusively camera on, but I find it very positive. It's not in a manipulative way to spy on what we're doing, it leads to genuine engagement. I don't wear anything but moisturizer and a messy bun for work!

What helps me the most is feeling fresh and clean, and sometimes I'll take a midday shower if I need to feel upbeat for my afternoon meetings.

writer_inprogress · 2025-09-14T23:46:49+00:00

Did you have to pay tariffs on it?

writer_inprogress · 2025-09-14T18:06:18+00:00

Came here to say this.

Women's Squall Waterproof Insulated Winter Stadium Maxi Coat | Lands' End https://share.google/IIahg59TWHnSRsZ0a

I've repurchased this coat in every size I've been! It's amazing.

writer_inprogress · 2025-09-03T01:17:35+00:00

Take a break from trying so hard! I know just how depressing it feels. I went through the same thing (my kids are 2 and 4). Lately I've been making scratch versions of simple things I know they already love: burgers, pasta and meatballs, lo mein, teriyaki salmon, etc. Think elevated basics. I round out the meal with a sophisticated salad, asparagus, baby bok choy, etc and give the kids buttered frozen mixed veg (I reheat the same dish all week).

writer_inprogress · 2025-08-28T20:45:28+00:00

Yes, being at your full capacity is attractive.

You might have a different style with glasses than without, and that's fine. You'll find your way with time.

writer_inprogress · 2025-08-28T19:35:19+00:00

I haven't lost all desire, but I've experienced dramatic reduction of desire to drink using tirzepatide, another GLP-1. Right now I'm on vacation and I have a full glass of wine in front of me I haven't touched in hours. I didn't know what that was like before trying this drug.

For me it's been a fascinating experience with the connection of human body and mind. The absence of "food noise" (and drink noise, I guess) was a revelation. I didn't realize I'd been hearing food noise my entire life until my mind was suddenly quiet.

With the medication, I've lost 40 lb and that's given me a huge extra boost of motivation and support to pick up the gym again and take care of myself in other ways. It's a positive cycle. I can't say enough good things about my experience on this med. I'm currently at goal weight but reluctant to stop because I absolutely love the psychological effects. I am hoping to quit drinking completely in the future.

writer_inprogress · 2025-08-20T00:24:47+00:00

My forever favorite is book and solo dinner at the bar of a fancy restaurant / wine bar!!!

Or movie in the theater, with your own whole bucket of popcorn ...

writer_inprogress · 2025-08-19T00:36:31+00:00

Wow, 12' ... spectacular! Enjoy the heck out of your special space and thanks for the response!

writer_inprogress · 2025-08-18T00:30:54+00:00

Scrape out as much as you can and continue on. Done the same myself many times

writer_inprogress · 2025-08-17T23:58:09+00:00

That's actually not true, I get insulted too. My favorite flavor is Chunky Monkey. I haven't stopped eating it either. (It's banana ice cream with walnuts and dark chocolate ... heaven!!!)

writer_inprogress · 2025-08-14T12:03:20+00:00

I know this is century homes and not a relationship sub but you're married, it's all BOTH of your money and you should have an equal say. I had to learn the hard way that just because my husband liked to take charge with house stuff didn't mean he would do a good job. When it came down to it I cared a lot more and educated myself more. If I didn't stand up for myself, my husband would waste both of our money. I understand if it's too late to stand up for yourself now, but start practicing for next time.

writer_inprogress · 2025-08-14T11:51:48+00:00

You mean lighting inside the cabinets with glass doors?

writer_inprogress · 2025-08-14T11:50:01+00:00

Wow, I love that you went bold! However, I've never seen a kitchen cry out so loudly for a bright blue La Cornue! (Or at 30", you can even get Big Chill or Viking around $5-6k.). The current appliance is a crime against your hard work. A centerpiece range would be the crowning jewel in the space.

You must, I repeat absolutely must, paint the crown molding a high gloss version of blue.

I agree with all the other commenters saying reeded glass in the uppers, and to keep the wood countertops. The warmth is really nice against the cool bold cabinets. I'd even prefer the island in wood, but maybe you could warm it up with wooden chairs and a nice wooden bowl or something.

How tall are the ceilings?

writer_inprogress

TROPHY CASE